IoT connected handwashing monitoring and compliance for various applications

ABSTRACT

A plumbing fixture assembly including a fluid flow detection system for monitoring fluid flow and flow characteristics through plumbing fixtures without contacting the fluid. The fluid flow detection system communicates collected data related to the plumbing fixtures to a water management system, which analyzes the data and provides information to a user through a portal and user interface. The fluid flow detection system also tracks users of the plumbing fixtures for compliance with a hand washing routine. The hand washing compliance data is communicated to the water management system as well.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/799,705, filed on Feb. 24, 2020, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/809,205 filed on Feb. 22, 2019,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to faucets, and more particularly to asystem configured to detect the flow of fluid through a faucet usingnon-contact sensors.

BACKGROUND

In a variety of applications, it may be useful to measure the flow rateof bulk fluid movement through an apparatus connected to a system ofpipes. In particular, measuring the flow of water in plumbing systemscan help diagnose potential problems, help predict the quantity of waterusage, or be used to collect information about how the device is beingused by the end user.

Conventional systems have allowed measurement of the flow of waterthrough plumbing fixtures, such as manual faucets, via direct-contactflow meters such as, for example, mechanical flow meters, venturi flowmeters, variable-area flow meter, and the like.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides, in one aspect, a faucet comprising a spout influid communication with a fluid source, a handle configured to controlflow of fluid from the fluid source through the spout, a magnetpositioned on the handle, a first sensor configured to detect a positionof the magnet as the handle is moved, a controller in communication withthe first sensor, wherein the controller is configured to determine atleast one flow condition of the faucet upon activation of the handle togenerate fluid flow through the spout, the at least one flow conditionbased on a position of the magnet, and a user interface in connectionwith the controller, wherein the user interface is configured to displaythe at least one flow condition.

The disclosure provides, in another aspect, a plumbing fixture assemblycomprising a plumbing fixture including a handle, a first sensorpositioned on the handle, a soap dispenser including a second sensor toactivate the soap dispenser, and a controller in communication with thefirst sensor and the second sensor. The controller includes a memoryconfigured to store instructions, and a processor coupled to the memoryand configured, via execution of the instructions, to: determine whethera hand-washing activity is in compliance with a predetermined handwashing routine based on the first sensor detecting how long the handleis maintained at an ON position and whether the second sensor istriggered after the handle turned to an ON position, and a userinterface in communication with the controller, wherein the userinterface is configured to display whether the hand-washing activity isin compliance with the hand washing routine.

The disclosure provides, in another aspect, a method of detecting flowthrough a faucet. The method comprises detecting an angular position ofa magnet disposed on a handle of the faucet, determining, with acontroller, whether water is flowing through the faucet based on theposition of the magnet, determining, with the controller, a predictedrate of flow through the faucet when water is flowing through thefaucet, and displaying the predicted rate of flow on a user interface.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent byconsideration of the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plumbing fixture assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a faucet of the plumbingfixture assembly of FIG. 1 including a fluid flow detection system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of the fluid flow detection system and networkcommunication capabilities of the fluid flow detection system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for hand washing and determiningwhether hand-washing by a user meets a pre-determined compliance metric.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for hand washing and determiningwhether hand-washing by a user meets a pre-determined compliance metric.

FIG. 6 illustrates a user interface displaying data collected andprocessed relating to hand washing.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative faucet for use with theplumbing fixture assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative faucet for use with theplumbing fixture assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged perspective view of the faucet of FIG. 8,including a fluid flow detection system.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged perspective view of the faucet of FIG. 9,including an alternative fluid flow detection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its applicationto the details of the formation and arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other implementationsand of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

The functionality described herein as being performed by one componentmay be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner.Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may beconsolidated and performed by a single component. Similarly, a componentdescribed as performing particular functionality may also performadditional functionality not described herein. For example, a device orstructure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in atleast that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.Furthermore, some embodiments described herein may include one or moreelectronic processors configured to perform the described functionalityby executing instructions stored in non-transitory, computer-readablemedium. Similarly, embodiments described herein may be implemented asnon-transitory, computer-readable medium storing instructions executableby one or more electronic processors to perform the describedfunctionality. As used in the present application, “non-transitorycomputer-readable medium” comprises all computer-readable media but doesnot consist of a transitory, propagating signal. Accordingly,non-transitory computer-readable medium may include, for example, a harddisk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, aROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), register memory, aprocessor cache, or any combination thereof.

In addition, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Forexample, the use of “including,” “containing,” “comprising,” “having,”and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listedthereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Theterms “connected” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass bothdirect and indirect connecting and coupling. Further, “connected” and“coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections orcouplings and can include electrical connections or couplings, whetherdirect or indirect. In addition, electronic communications andnotifications may be performed using wired connections, wirelessconnections, or a combination thereof and may be transmitted directly orthrough one or more intermediary devices over various types of networks,communication channels, and connections. Moreover, relational terms suchas first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used hereinsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or actionwithout necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationshipor order between such entities or actions.

The present disclosure provides a plumbing fixture assembly including afluid flow detection system for monitoring fluid flow and flowcharacteristics through plumbing fixtures without contacting the fluid.The fluid flow detection system communicates collected data related tothe plumbing fixtures to a water management system, which analyzes thedata and provides information to a user through a portal and userinterface. The fluid flow detection system also tracks users of theplumbing fixtures for compliance with a hand washing routine. The handwashing compliance data is communicated to the water management systemas well.

The plumbing fixture assembly includes a plumbing fixture, an optionalsoap dispenser, and a fluid flow detection system. The plumbing fixturecomprises, but is not limited to a manual faucet (e.g., single handle,double handle, or metering type), a tub filler, or a shower head. Asnoted above, it can be useful to measure the flow of water through aplumbing fixture without making contact with the flow of water. In theplumbing fixtures disclosed herein, a non-contact sensor is positionedon the plumbing fixture that can be used to determine flow measurementsor qualities of flow through the fixture. In one example, the sensor ispositioned on a handle of the fixture that controls a valve, whichcontrols fluid flow from a fluid source to and through the plumbingfixture. The non-contact sensor detects displacement of the handle,which determines the flow and flow characteristics, and communicates theflow and flow characteristics to the water management system for furtherprocessing, analysis, and display. In this way, an in-line sensor orflow meter does not need to be placed directly in the flow of water todetermine or calculate accurate flow metrics or characteristics of theplumbing fixture during use. As such, the non-contact sensor may be lessprone to failure and not need to pass various compliance measures if itis to come into direct contact with the fluid stream. Still further,because the non-contact sensor on the handle is external to the flowpath, such non-contact sensor may be readily retrofit on existingplumbing fixture installations without changing the underlyingpre-installed plumbing and can be much more easily replaced in the caseof failure of the non-contact sensor.

The non-contact sensor may include a calibration process prior to use toensure accurate estimations relating to flow and/or other flowcharacteristics are collected and communicated to the water managementsystem. For example, maximum flow rate and temperature may be measuredin the fluid flow sources leading to the plumbing fixture and providedto hardware and/or software of the monitoring system connected to thenon-contact sensor. Consequently, the flow rate and temperature of amixed-flow outlet of the plumbing fixture can be readily predicted orestimated simply from linear or angular displacement detection of thehandles lined to the valves providing flow to the plumbing fixture.

The system and method described herein may be particularly useful inassisting and monitoring hand-washing compliance in the workplace,especially in hospital and food service environments. However, otherapplications of the system and method are contemplated which couldinvolve just generally tracking the water usage of a particular plumbingfixture.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plumbing fixture assembly 10 for use in a home,business, industrial site, and the like. The plumbing fixture assembly10 includes a faucet 14 (e.g., a manual faucet) having a first handle 18(e.g., a hot water handle) and a second handle 22 (e.g., a cold waterhandle) which are each connected to an underlying valve that controlswater flow from a source to a spout 26 of the faucet 14. The assembly 10additionally includes a fluid flow detection system 30 (see FIG. 3)configured to detect when fluid is moving from the source to the spout26. In general, the fluid flow detection system 30 is configured todetect the position of the handles 18, 22 relative to a startingposition such as an OFF position of the handles 18, 22.

The plumbing fixture assembly 10 may optionally include a soap dispenser82. The soap dispenser 82 includes a sensor 84 (shown in FIG. 3). Thesensor 84 may be a presence sensor that activates the dispensing of soapbased on the detection of an object such as a user's hand. The plumbingfixture assembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown positioned on amoveable cart. The plumbing fixture assembly 10 may also be installed ina restroom or a more permanent location, e.g., not on a moveable cart.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged portion of the faucet 14 and some of thecomponents of the fluid flow detection system 30. The fluid flowdetection system 30 includes a first magnet 42 coupled to the firsthandle 18 and a second magnet 46 coupled to the second handle 22. Thefirst magnet 42 is positioned on a rotatable stem of the first waterhandle 18, and the second magnet 46 is positioned on a rotatable stem ofthe second water handle 22. The magnets 42, 46 may be embedded in acollar 34, 38 as illustrated. In some embodiments, the magnets 42, 46may be coupled to the handles 18, 22 at other locations, such as at alever of the handles 18, 22, as long as the placement of the magnets 42,46 causes the magnets 42, 46 to move in unison with the handles 18, 22so that the magnets 42, 46 reflect the movement of handles 18, 22. Inone configuration, the magnets 42, 46 are shaped as two-pole ringmagnets. However, the magnets 42, 46 may be configured as an alternativeshape (e.g., disc-shaped, rectangular, etc.).

The fluid flow detection system 30 also includes a first sensor 43positioned near the first magnet 42 and a second sensor 47 positionednear the second magnet 46. The sensors 43, 47 are positioned within ahousing 138. The sensors 43, 47 detect a varying magnetic field as thehandles 18, 22 are moved. In particular, the sensors 43, 47 detect thehandles 18, 22 crossing a start position and each position thereafter asthe handles 18, 22 rotate through a full opening range of positions andstopping at a fully open position point. The sensors 43, 47 can detectthe spatial position of the magnets 42, 46 relative to a starting point.The sensors 43, 47 are configured to sense the angular position of thehandles 18, 22. In other words, the sensors 43, 47 detect the movementor displacement of magnets 42, 46 corresponding to the rotation of thehandles 18, 22 and, by proxy, the valves they control.

The sensors 43, 47 are angular position sensors (e.g., Hall-effectsensors available from Monolithic Power Systems, Inc., of San Jose,Calif.) which detect a magnetic field and thus, rotational and/orangular movement of the faucet handles 18, 22. However, othernon-contact arrangements may be implemented. For example, it iscontemplated that a permanent magnet can be affixed to a part of thefaucet 14 that actuates linearly, and thus linear movement could bedetected and correlated to fluid flow to similar effect. It is alsocontemplated that non-magnetic position sensors for the handles 18, 22may also be employed to similar effect.

With reference to FIG. 3, the fluid flow detection system 30 includes afirst housing 48 that supports a controller 50. The controller 50includes an electronic processor 54 (for example, a microprocessor, anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmablegate array (FPGA), or other suitable electronic device configured toprocess data), a memory 58, and a communication interface 62. In someembodiments, the controller 50 also includes a user interface 66. Theelectronic processor 54, the storage device 58, the communicationinterface 62, and the optional user interface 66 are communicativelycoupled over one or more communication lines or buses, wirelessly, orcombinations thereof. It should be understood that, in otherconstructions, the controller 50 includes additional, fewer, ordifferent components than those illustrated in FIG. 3.

The controller 50 can communicate with the sensors 43, 47, 84 via thecommunication interface 62. In some embodiments, the communicationinterface 62 includes a wireless transceiver for wirelesslycommunicating with the sensors 43, 47, 84, such as a radio frequency(RF) transceiver for communicating over a communications network (forexample, the Internet, a local area network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or acombination thereof). Alternatively or in addition, the communicationinterface 62 may include a port for receiving a cable, such as anEthernet cable, for communicating with the sensors 43, 47, 84 (over adedicated wired connection or over a communications network).Alternatively or in addition, the sensors 43, 47, 84 may be hardwired tothe processor 54.

The storage device 58 includes a non-transitory, computer-readablestorage medium storing program instructions and data. The electronicprocessor 54 is configured to retrieve instructions from the storagedevice 58 and execute the instructions to perform a set of functions,including the methods described herein. The user interface 66 receivesinput from and provides output to users, such as healthcare personnelrelated to hand washing tasks. The user interface 66 may include akeyboard, a keypad, a microphone, a camera, a cursor-control device (forexample, a mouse, a joystick, a trackball, a touch pad, and the like), adisplay (for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emittingdiode (LED) display, a touchscreen), a speaker, or combinations thereof.

The controller 50 (the electronic processor 54 through the execution ofinstructions) receives magnetic field data collected by the sensors 43,47 and can convert the data into one or more flow parameters of thefaucet 14, such as whether fluid is flowing, the flow rate, andtemperature. The controller 50 receives data from the sensor 84 whensoap is dispensed from the soap dispenser 82. The controller 50 uses oneor more of these parameters to determine hand washing compliance(discussed below).

The controller 50 can communicate with an end-point device 70 throughthe communication interface 62 to transmit data to the water managementsystem. The end-point device 70 includes an electronic processor 74 anda transmitter 78 (i.e., LoRa radio system). In some embodiments, theelectronic processor 74 wirelessly transmits data via the transmitter 78to a local gateway or intermediary device 88 positioned near the endpoint device 70. The intermediary device 88 can collect data from theelectronic processor 74 and then transmit the data on to a communicationnetwork 92 via Ethernet connection to a local area network (LAN) or viaLTE cellular for storage and access by a server 122 and a user device96.

Portions of the communication network 92 may be implemented using awireless network, such as a wide area network (for example, theInternet), a local area network (for example, a Bluetooth™ network, orWi-Fi), or combinations or derivatives thereof. Alternatively or inaddition, portions of the communication network 92 may be implementedusing dedicated connections (such as wired or wireless connections).

With continued reference to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the user device96 is a personal computing device, for example a desktop computer, alaptop computer, a terminal, a smart television, an electronicwhiteboard, a tablet computer, a smart telephone, a wearable device, orthe like. The user device 96 includes an electronic processor 102, acomputer-readable memory 106, and a user interface 110. The electronicprocessor 102, the memory 106, and the user interface 110 communicateover one or more communication lines or buses, wirelessly, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the user device 96 includesadditional components than those illustrated in FIG. 3 and thecomponents included in the user device 96 may be arranged in variousconfigurations. For example, in some embodiments, the user device 96also includes a communication interface 114, for example a transceiver,that allows the user device 96 to communicate with external devices, forexample one or more servers 122 over the communication network 92 ordirectly with an end point device 70. The user device 96 may alsoperform additional functionality than the functionality described in thepresent application.

The electronic processor 102 may include a microprocessor,application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another suitableelectronic device. The electronic processor 102 is configured toretrieve data from the memory 106 and execute, among other things,software related to the processes and methods described herein. Thememory 106 includes a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium.The memory 106 can include a client application 118, executed by theelectronic processor 102, to access various services and data providedby the server 122. The client application 118 includes a web browser 120(e.g., Internet Explorer®, Google Chrome®, or the like) that allows theuser device 96 to access the services provided by the server 122.

The user interface 110 includes an input device, an output device, or acombination thereof. For example, the user interface 110 may include adisplay device, a touchscreen, a keyboard, a keypad, a button, acursor-control device, a printer, a speaker, a virtual reality headset,a microphone, and the like.

With reference to FIG. 3, the server 122 may be a web server where webpages can be accessed over the communication network 92 through a clientlike a web browser on a user device 96. The server 122 includes a serverelectronic processor 126 and a server storage device 130. The server 122also includes an input/output interface 134 that allows the server 122to communicate with external devices, for example the user device 96. Itis to be understood that the server 122 may include more than oneprocessor or may be implemented as one of multiple servers configured toperform the methods described herein in a cloud computing environment, adata center, or the like.

The controller 50 receives data from the sensors 43, 47 whichcorresponds to the position of the handles 18, 22, and converts the datainto flow rate conditions of the faucet 14 by performing a series ofcalculations. The controller 50 can store the data in the storage device58 and/or transmit the data to the end-point device 70 for communicationto the user device 96 via the network 92.

The controller 50 is configured to receive initial calibration data,such as certain information about the faucet 14 and the plumbingarrangement, in order to be able to perform the various calculations andprovide useful data to the user interface 66 and to the user device 96.For example, the controller 50 is configured to receive information thatincludes the flow rates associated with different positions of thehandles 18, 22 (or at least a maximum flow rate associated with thefully opened position of the handles), and/or the temperature of thewater being provided to each of the valves prior to mixing and exitingthe spout 26. Such information may be provided to the controller 50 bythe installer or end user, generally speaking, during installation ofthe plumbing fixture assembly 10 through the user interface 66 incommunication with the controller 50 or through the user device 96. Forexample, depending on the type of valve, it may be the case that flowrates at various states of the valve being opened or a maximum flowcondition are input by the user. However, in some instances, there maybe other devices that could be temporarily connected to the plumbingfixture assembly 10 (e.g., at the spout 26 of the faucet 14) to read theparameters of interest (e.g., the flow rate, temperature and so forth)to input the data to the controller 50. In some instances, it may besufficient to merely input a maximum flow rate for the fully openedhandle(s) 18, 22 and establish the positional range over which thehandle(s) 18, 22 may move from fully closed to fully opened. However, insome instances, such simplistic information alone may not be sufficient.For example, some valves may have a non-linear response over a range ofoperational angles or positions of the handles, and it may be necessaryto establish parameters for the flow rate through the valve at variouspositions of the attached handle(s) 18, 22. In this case, it may benecessary for the installer or user to provide the controller 50 withadditional information about the type of valve or to collect readings atvarious handle positions. Additional information for calibrationpurposes may include water pressure, temperature, pipe size, and whetheran aerator is on the faucet 14.

After system-level parameters and conditions are established in thecontroller 50, when the displacement of one or both of thevalve-controlled handles 18, 22 occurs and fluid flow commences, thefluid flow through the faucet 14 can be calculated in real-time bydetecting or measuring the position of the handle(s) 18, 22 using themagnets 42, 46 and non-contact sensor(s) 43, 47. Based on thecorrelation between those handle positions and the flow rates, the flowrate through each of the handle-controlled valves can be determined orestimated as well as additively through the faucet 14, collectively.Similarly, if the flow rates and water temperatures are known from eachvalve, the overall output temperature can be calculated or estimated.Additionally, total flow volume through the faucet 14 can be calculatedbased on how long the handles 18, 22 were turned to an ON position.

The fluid flow detection system 30 also includes a second housing 138for supporting a first set of LEDs 142A-C (e.g., indicating watersignals) on one side of the faucet 14 and a second set of LEDs 143A-C(e.g., indicating soap signals) on the opposite side of the faucet 14that provide feedback to a user of the plumbing fixture assembly 10. Forexample, the first LEDs 142A, 143A may be green, the second LEDs 142B,143B may be yellow, and the third LEDs 142C, 143C may be red. The LEDs142A-C and 143A-C are electrically coupled to the controller 50 tocontrol when and which LED is to illuminate. The second housing 138 mayalso include a speaker to provide audible feedback to the user of theassembly 10. The second housing 138 also supports the sensors 43, 47.

The first housing 48, mentioned above, can include an identificationsystem 146 configured to determine and track the user of the plumbingfixture assembly 10. For example, the identification system 146 may beany suitable device capable of detecting a user (e.g., RFID reader, anear-field reader, an identification badge reader, an optical retinascanner, etc.).

As noted above, the plumbing fixture assembly 10 is operable to monitorhand washing and determine compliance with a predetermined hand washingroutine. Users may be tracked using a RFID badge or the like that isread or detected by the identification system 146 when the userapproaches the plumbing fixture assembly 10. When a user is present atthe faucet 14 and identification has been detected, the controller 50activates the LEDs 142A-C, 143A-C to provide instructions and feedbackto a user on how to comply with a hand washing routine. For example, theLEDs 142A-C, 143A-C can help users know if they have complied withhygienic practices such as hand-washing by indicating via the LEDs142A-C, 143A-C how long to initially rinse, when to apply soap, for howlong scrubbing should occur, and how long to rinse. When the user hasmet hand-washing compliance, the controller 50 instructs the green LED142A to illuminate. Alternatively, if the user has not met hand-washingcompliance, the controller 50 instructs the red LED 142C to illuminate.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process 200 of determining hand washing complianceof a user. The process begins at step 204 wherein the user interactswith the identification system 146 in order to indicate their presence.Upon detection of the presence of the user, the controller 50 logs theuser information and sends signals (at 208) to illuminate LED 143C(solid red soap) and LED 142B (flashing yellow water) and waits foractivation of the faucet 14. Upon activation of the water (at 212) bythe user (after the sensor(s) 43, 47 sense the spatial orientation ofthe magnet(s) 42, 46 that the water has been turned ON and communicatethe spatial orientation to the controller 50), the controller 50 starts(at 216) a timer 150. The start time of the timer 150 is logged in thestorage device 58. After the water is turned ON, the controller 50 sendssignals (at 220) to illuminate (or keep illuminated) LED 143C (solid redsoap) and LED 142B (solid yellow water). This signals to the user toinitially wet/rinse their hands. After a predetermined time delay (e.g.,5 seconds after the timer 150 was started), the controller 50 sendssignals (at 224) to illuminate (or keep illuminated) LED 143B (flashingyellow soap) and LED 142B (solid yellow water) indicating that the userneeds to activate the soap dispenser 82. If the soap dispenser 82 isactivated (the controller 50 receives a signal from the soap sensor 84)(at 228) the controller 50 logs (at 230) when the soap dispenser 82 wasactivated. After the soap dispenser 82 is activated, the controller 50sends signals (at 236) to illuminate (or keep illuminated) LED 143B(solid yellow soap) and LED 142B (solid yellow water). This signals tothe user to scrub their hands. After a predetermined time delay (e.g.,20 seconds after the soap dispenser 82 was activated), the controller 50sends signals (at 240) to illuminate (or keep illuminated) LED 143A(solid green soap) and LED 142B (solid yellow water). This signals tothe user to rinse their hands. After a predetermined time delay (e.g.,25 seconds after the soap dispenser 82 was activated (which provides 5seconds after scrubbing)), the controller 50 sends signals (at 244) toilluminate (or keep illuminated) LED 143A (solid green soap) and 142A(solid green water). This signals to the user to turn OFF the faucet 14.The controller 50 detects (at 250) that the water was turned OFF anddeactivates (at 254) the timer 150 and logs the OFF time. After thewater is turned OFF, the controller 50 sends signals (at 258) toilluminate (or keep illuminated) LED 143A (flashing green soap) and LED142A (flashing green water). The controller 50 then sends (at 262) thetimer 150 data that was logged for the hand washing routine to the endpoint device 70 for communication to the server 122 and review at theuser device 96. After transmitting the data to the end point device 70,the controller sends signals (at 266) to turn OFF the LEDs 142A-C and143A-C.

FIG. 5 illustrates another process 300 of determining hand washingcompliance of a user. The process begins at step 304 wherein the userinteracts with the identification system 146 in order to indicate theirpresence. In step 304, the identification system 146 transmits datasignifying the presence of the user to the controller 50, and thecontroller 50 determines the identity of the user. Specifically, theRFID reader determines a unique or encrypted number from the user'sbadge corresponding to the identity of the user. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the identification system 146 may transmit the useridentification data to the server 122. Upon detection of the presence ofthe user, the controller 50 starts a first timer 150 (at 308). At 312,the user then actuates the faucet 14, and proceeds to wet their hands.More specifically, the user actuates at least one of the faucet handles18, 22, thereby causing movement of the handle(s) 18, 22 and thecorresponding magnet(s) 42, 46. The sensors 43, 47 sense the spatialorientation of the magnet(s) 34, 38 and communicate the spatialorientation to the controller 50. At step 316, the user may then place ahand under the soap dispenser 82, thereby causing the sensor 84 toactivate the soap dispenser 82 to dispense soap into the user's hands.Step 316 returns “True” if the soap sensor 84 senses the actuation ofthe dispenser 82 and communicates said actuation to the controller 50.Alternatively, step 316 returns “False” if the soap sensor 84 does notsense the actuator of the dispenser 82. In step 320, the controller 50then initiates a second timer 154 to start recording the duration oftime the handle(s) 18, 22 are maintained at the given position. The userthen proceeds to scrub and rinse their hands with the water flowing fromthe faucet 14.

In order to reach compliance standards, the user must wash their handsfor a predetermined duration of time. Specifically, in step 324, if thesecond timer 154 reaches a pre-determined or threshold duration of timeprior to the user de-actuating the faucet 14, the controller 50automatically stops the second timer 154 (step 328 a). The controller 50then records the total duration of time of the hand-wash cycle and sendsa signal to illuminate the green LED 142A (step 332 a), thereforeindicating to the user that their hand-wash cycle was compliant.Additionally, in step 336 a, the controller 50 sends the data to theserver 122, which stores the data as a “compliant washing cycle” for theuser. The user may then de-actuate the faucet 14.

Alternatively, in the event that the user de-actuates (e.g., turns off)the faucet 14 prior to reaching the predetermined threshold time (step324), the controller 50 stops the second timer 154 (step 328 b) andrecords the total duration of time of the hand-wash cycle. Thecontroller 50 determines that the recorded time is less than thethreshold duration of time and sends a signal to illuminate the red LED142C (step 332 b), therefore indicating to the user that their hand-washcycle was non-compliant. Additionally, in step 336 b, the controller 50sends the data to the server 122, which stores the data as a“non-compliant washing cycle” for the user.

As described above in steps 228 or 316, in the event that the user doesnot actuate the soap dispenser 82, the controller 50 marks the hand-washcycle as a “non-compliant washing cycle.” Specifically, if the useractuates the faucet 14, positions their hands under the faucet 14, andthen de-actuates the faucet 14 without actuating the soap dispenser 82,the controller 50 then sends a signal to illuminate the red LEDs 142Cand/or 143C. Therefore, it is indicated to the user that their hand-washcycle was non-compliant. Additionally, the controller 50 sends the datato the server 122, which stores the data as a “non-compliant washingcycle” for the user.

As previously mentioned, the controller 50 records data associated withthe user for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., the predeterminedamount of time the first timer 150 is configured to run). If the usercompletes the hand-wash cycle within the predetermined amount of time,the first timer 150 automatically stops upon completion of the hand-washcycle. However, in the event that the user does not complete thehand-wash cycle within the predetermined amount of time, the processautomatically “times out.” If the first timer 150 “times out” during thehand-wash cycle, the controller 50 stores the data as a “timed outcycle” for the user.

The controller 50 sends the collected hand washing data to the server122 such that the user device 96 can access and view the data. The datacan be processed for display in a portal accessible by the web browser120 of the user device 96. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the userdevice 96 can display the data is graphical format indicating the usersand their compliant, non-compliant, and timed-out hand washing events.The data can also include the particular plumbing fixtures where theuser's hand washing events occurred. The control system 50 continuouslymonitors and tracks the user data, and displays multiple users'compliant washing cycles, non-compliant washing cycles, and timed outwashing cycles. The graphical format enables a supervisor to monitoremployee hand-wash cycles over a given amount of time, and to ensure theemployees are meeting hand-washing compliance. These hand washingreports can be e-mailed or texted to individuals of interest through theportal.

It is also noted that the data transmitted to the server 122 andpresented to a user device 96 can include operational data (e.g., howmany times each plumbing fixture (e.g., faucet 14) was activated anddeactivated, how much water was delivered through the faucet 14 (e.g.,on each actuation and as an accumulated amount over time). This data canbe displayed for each faucet 14 and multiple faucets 14 by room, byfloor, by building or other relevant category. For example, the controlsystem 50 continuously monitors and tracks the operational data of theplumbing fixtures and soap dispensers 82 to determine trends of usage(e.g., which fixture is used most often), when maintenance needs tooccur (e.g., if one particular fixture is used most often, the soap willneed to be replaced more often), and whether there are any malfunctions(e.g., a hand wash cycle is started, but not finished as determined bymultiple users' hand wash data).

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative faucet 14′ for use with the plumbingfixture assembly 10. The illustrated faucet 14′ is similar to the faucet14 described above and includes like parts. Reference is hereby made tothe description of the faucet 14 shown in FIGS. 1-2 for description offeatures and elements of the faucet 14′ not specifically included below.The faucet 14′ includes a single handle configuration, rather than adual-handle configuration, which will be described below. Componentsthat are similar to those described in the faucet 14 have the samereference number plus an apostrophe.

The faucet 14′ includes a handle 18′ and a magnet 42′ and a sensor 43′The sensor 43′ is an angular position sensor configured to sensemovement of the magnet 42′. The spatial orientation of the magnet 42′ isdetected by the sensor 43′ such that the angular position ordisplacement of the magnet 42′ corresponding to the rotation of thehandle 14′, and therefore, the valve it controls, is determined. Morespecifically, the sensor 43′ detects the movement of the magnet 42′ in afirst direction, corresponding to the opening of a first valve (e.g., ahot water valve), and detects the movement of the magnet 42′ in a seconddirection, corresponding to the opening of a second valve (e.g., a coldwater valve). The sensor 43′ communicates the angular displacement datato the controller 50.

FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B illustrate an alternative faucet 14″ for use withthe plumbing fixture assembly 10. The illustrated faucet 14″ is similarto the faucet 14 described above and includes like parts. Reference ishereby made to the description of the faucet 14 shown in FIGS. 1-2 fordescription of features and elements of the faucet 14″ not specificallyincluded below. The faucet 14″ is a metering faucet, rather than alavatory faucet, which will be described below. Components that aresimilar to those described in the faucet 14 have the same referencenumber plus two apostrophes.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9A, the faucet 14″ includes a first waterhandle 18″ (e.g., a hot water handle) and a second water handle 22″(e.g., a cold water handle) which are each connected to an underlyingvalve that controls water from a source to a spout 26″ of the faucet.The faucet 14″ includes a fluid flow detection system 30″ configured tomonitor the linear position of the first and second water handles 18″,22″ relative to the faucet 14″. In the illustrated embodiments, thefluid flow detection system 30″ includes a first magnet 42″, a secondmagnet 46″, a first sensor 43″, and a second sensor 47″. Specifically,the first magnet 42″ is positioned on a stem of the first water handle18″, and the second magnet 46″ is positioned on a stem of the secondwater handle 22″. The first sensor 43″ is positioned on a stationary,main body 62″ of the faucet 14″, adjacent the first handle 18″, and thesecond sensor 47″ is positioned on the main body 62″ of the faucet 14″,adjacent the second handle 22″. The spatial orientation of the magnets42″, 46″ are read by sensors 43″, 47″ such that the sensors 43″, 47″detect the linear displacement of the magnets 42″, 46″ corresponding tolinear movement of the handles 18″, 22″ The sensors 43″, 47″ communicatethe linear displacement data to the controller 50.

In some embodiments (FIG. 9B), the fluid flow detection system 30″ ofthe metering faucet 14″ includes a first linear potentiometer 40″ and asecond linear potentiometer 44″. Specifically, the first linearpotentiometer 40″ includes a first end 40 a″ positioned on the stem ofthe first water handle 18″, and a second end 40 b″ positioned on themain body 62″ of the faucet 14″, adjacent the first handle 18″.Similarly, the second linear potentiometer 44″ includes a first end 44a″ positioned on the stem of the second water handle 22″ and a secondend 44 b″ positioned on the main body 62″ of the faucet 14″ adjacent thesecond handle 22″. Upon depression of the handles 18″, 22″ by a user,the linear potentiometers 40″, 44″ produce a resistance output, andcommunicate the resistance output data to the controller 50. Thecontroller 50 then converts the data into flow rate conditions of theplumbing fixture assembly 10 by performing a series of calculations, asdescribed above. The controller 50 then transmits the data to the server122 as described above.

For reasons of completeness, various aspects of the invention are setout in the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1. A faucet comprising:

a spout in fluid communication with a fluid source;

a handle including a movable stem, the handle configured to control flowof fluid from the fluid source through the spout;

a magnet positioned on the stem and configured to move with the stem;

a sensor configured to detect a position of the magnet in real time;

a controller in communication with the sensor, wherein the controller isconfigured to determine at least one flow condition of the faucet uponactivation of the handle to generate fluid flow through the spout, theat least one flow condition based on a position of the magnet; and

a user interface in connection with the controller, wherein the userinterface is configured to display the at least one flow condition.

Clause 2. The faucet of clause 1, wherein the sensor assembly isconfigured to detect an angular position of the magnet.

Clause 3. The faucet of clause 1, wherein the sensor assembly isconfigured to detect a linear position of the magnet.

Clause 4. The faucet of clause 1, wherein the controller is calibratedbased on a maximum faucet flow and the position of the magnet.

Clause 5. The faucet of clause 1, wherein is magnet is a two-pole ringmagnet.

Clause 6. The faucet of clause 1, further comprising a soap dispenser,wherein the soap dispenser includes a second sensor configured to detectthe dispensing of soap from the soap dispenser.

Clause 7. The faucet of clause 1, further comprising a timer configuredto record a duration of time the handle is maintained at a position.

Clause 8. The faucet of clause 1, wherein the sensor is positioned on amain body of the faucet adjacent the magnet.

Clause 9. The faucet of clause 1, further comprising a feedback systemin connection with the controller, wherein the feedback system includesan indicator.

Clause 10. The faucet of clause 9, wherein the feedback system isconfigured to emit light through the indicator corresponding to the atleast one flow condition.

Clause 11. A plumbing fixture assembly comprising:

a faucet including a handle;

a monitoring system configured to monitor a position of the handle;

a timer configured to record a duration of time the handle is maintainedat the position;

a controller in communication with the monitoring system, wherein thecontroller is configured to determine whether a hand-washing activity isin compliance based on the duration of time the handle is maintained atthe position; and

a user interface in communication with the controller, wherein theinterface is configured to display whether the hand-washing activity iscompliant.

Clause 12. The plumbing fixture assembly of clause 11, furthercomprising

a soap dispenser; and

a sensor in connection with the soap dispenser, wherein the sensor isconfigured to detect dispensing of soap from the soap dispenser.

Claim 13. The plumbing fixture assembly of clause 12, wherein thecontroller is in connection with the sensor; and wherein the controlleris configured to generate a first hand-washing metric in response to thesensor detecting the dispensing of soap, and the controller isconfigured to generate a second hand-washing metric in the absence ofthe sensor detecting the dispensing of soap.

Clause 14. The plumbing fixture assembly of clause 11, furthercomprising a module configured to detect the presence of a user.

Clause 15. The plumbing fixture assembly of clause 11, furthercomprising a feedback system including a plurality of indicators,wherein the feedback system is configured to emit light through theplurality of indicators in response to the duration of time the handleis maintained at the position.

Clause 16. The plumbing fixture assembly of clause 11, wherein thefaucet includes a magnet positioned on the handle and operable to movewith the handle, and the monitoring system includes a sensor configuredto detect the position of the magnet.

Clause 17. The plumbing fixture assembly of clause 16, wherein thesensor is configured to detect an angular position of the magnet and alinear position of the magnet.

Clause 18. The plumbing fixture assembly of clause 11, wherein themonitoring system includes a linear potentiometer coupled to the faucet,wherein the linear potentiometer is configured to detect a resistancevalue.

Clause 19. The plumbing fixture assembly of clause 18, wherein thecontroller is configured to calculate at least one flow conditioncorresponding to the resistance value.

Clause 20. A method of detecting flow through a faucet, the methodcomprising:

detecting a position of a magnet disposed on a handle of the faucet, theposition corresponding to a flow rate of the faucet;

recording, with a first timer, a duration of time the magnet ismaintained at the position;

operating a controller to calculate a hand-washing metric based on theduration of time the magnet is maintained at the position; and

displaying the hand-washing metric on an interface of a user device.

Clause 21. The method of clause 20, further comprising

calculating, using the controller, a predicted flow rate based on theposition of the magnet; and

displaying the predicted flow rate on the user interface.

Clause 22. The method of clause 20, further comprising:

detecting the temperature of at least one water supply for the faucet;

calculating a predicted temperature based on a temperature of the atleast one water supply and the position of the at least one handle; and

displaying the predicted temperature on the interface.

Clause 23. The method of clause 20, wherein flow through the faucet isnot directly measured.

Clause 24. The method of clause 20, further comprising calibrating thecontroller based on a maximum faucet flow and the position of themagnet.

Clause 25. The method of clause 20, wherein the sensor is configured todetect an angular position of the magnet and a linear position of themagnet.

Clause 26. The method of clause 20, wherein the position is a discreteposition over a continuous range of positions.

Clause 27. The method of clause 20, further comprising operating afeedback system to emit light via an indicator in response the durationof time the at least one magnet is maintained at the position.

Clause 28. The method of clause 21, further comprising initiating asecond timer, wherein the second timer is configured to run for apredetermined period of time.

Clause 29. The method of clause 28, wherein the controller is configuredcalculate the hand-washing metric within the predetermined period oftime.

Clause 30. The method of clause 20, wherein the controller is configuredto generate a first hand-washing metric in response to detecting themagnet being maintained at the position at for a time greater than orequal to a threshold time, and the controller is configured to generatea second hand-washing metric in response to detecting the magnet beingmaintained at the position for a time less than the threshold time.

Clause 31. The method of clause 20, further comprising detecting thepresence of a user via a presence sensor.

Clause 32. The method of clause 20, further comprising detectingactivation of a soap dispenser dispensing soap.

Clause 33. The method of clause 32, wherein the hand-washing metric isadditionally based on activation of the soap dispenser.

Clause 34. A method of identifying a user during a hand-washing cycle,the method comprising:

operating a module to identify the presence of a user;

operating the module to communicate the presence of the user to acontroller; and

operating the controller to determine an encrypted number correspondingto an identity of the user.

Clause 35. The method of clause 34, further comprising in response tothe module identifying the presence of the user, operating a timer torun for a predetermined period of time.

Clause 36. The method of clause 35, further comprising operating thecontroller to collect data on the user for the predetermined period oftime.

Clause 37. The method of clause 34, further comprising displaying theencrypted number corresponding to an identity of the user on aninterface.

Clause 38. A method of detecting flow through a manual faucet, themethod comprising:

detecting an angular position of a hot water handle corresponding to theflow rate of the manual faucet;

detecting an angular position of a cold water handle corresponding tothe flow rate of the manual faucet;

calculating a predicted flow based on the angular position of the hotwater handle and the angular position of the cold water handle.

Clause 39. The method of clause 38, further comprising displaying thepredicted flow on an interface.

Clause 40. The method of clause 38, further comprising the steps of:

detecting the temperature of at least one water supply for the manualfaucet;

calculating a predicted temperature based on the temperature of the atleast one water supply and the angular position of the hot water handleand the cold water handle; and

displaying the predicted temperature on an interface.

Clause 41. The method of clause 38, further comprising the steps of:

calculating a handwashing metric; and

displaying the handwashing metric on the interface.

Clause 42. The method of clause 41, wherein the handwashing metriccorresponds to handwashing frequency.

Clause 43. The method of clause 38, wherein flow through the manualfaucet is not directly measured.

Clause 44. The method of clause 38, further comprising the step ofcalibrating using a flow measurement of the manual faucet.

Clause 45. A method of detecting flow through a manual faucet in anon-contact fashion, the method comprising:

detecting a position of a handle for controlling flow through the manualfaucet, wherein the position is a discrete position over a continuousrange of positions;

calculating a predicted flow based on the position of the handle.

Clause 46. The method of clause 45, further comprising the steps of:

detecting the temperature of at least one water supply for the manualfaucet; and

calculating a predicted temperature based on the temperature of the atleast one water supply and the angular position of the handle, and

displaying the predicted temperature on an interface.

Clause 47. The method of clause 46, further comprising the step ofcalculating a handwashing metric, and

displaying the handwashing metric on the interface.

Clause 48. The method of clause 47, wherein the handwashing metriccorresponds to handwashing frequency.

Clause 49. The method of clause 45, further comprising the step ofinputting a value associated with flow rate and the handle position.

Clause 50. The method of clause 45, wherein the flow through the manualfaucet is not directly measured.

Clause 51. The method of clause 45, further comprising the step ofcalibrating using a flow rate measurement of the manual faucet.

Clause 52. A faucet assembly comprising:

a manual faucet including a hot water handle and a cold water handle;

at least one angular position sensor configured to detect an angularposition of at least one of the hot water handle and the cold waterhandle in real time; and

an interface configured to display a continuous non-contact reading ofat least one flow condition corresponding to the faucet assembly.

Clause 53. The faucet assembly of clause 52, wherein the at least oneangular position sensor includes:

at least one programmable integrated circuit board; and

at least one magnet affixed to one of the handles;

wherein the integrated circuit board is calibrated based on a maximumfaucet flow and the angular position of the hot water handle and of thecold water handle.

Clause 54. The faucet assembly of clause 53, wherein the at least onemagnet comprises a cold water magnet and a hot water magnet; and thecold water magnet is positioned on the cold water handle and the hotwater magnet is positioned on the hot water handle.

Clause 55. The faucet assembly of clause 53, wherein the at least onemagnet is a two-pole ring magnet.

Clause 56. The faucet assembly of clause 52, further comprising a sensorto detect the dispensing of soap.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of monitoring a handwashing routine, themethod comprising: detecting, with a controller, an angular position ofa magnet disposed on a handle of a faucet to determine whether water isflowing through the faucet; activating a first timer in the controllerwhen water is flowing through the faucet; detecting, with thecontroller, whether activation of a soap dispenser occurred apredetermined time after the first timer was activated; logging a firsttime from the first timer, in the controller, when the soap dispenser isactivated; activating a second timer in the controller after activationof the soap dispenser is detected; alerting a user to turn off thefaucet a predetermined time after the second timer was activated;detecting an angular position of the magnet indicating that no water isflowing through the faucet; logging a second time from the second timer,in the controller, when the angular position indicates that no water isflowing through the faucet; determining, with an electronic processor,whether a handwashing routine is in compliance with a predeterminedstandard based on the time from the first timer and the time from thesecond timer; and enabling display of a first indicator representativeof a compliant handwashing routine or a second indicator representativeof a non-compliant handwashing routine.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising transmitting the time from the first timer and thetime from the second timer to an end point device prior to transmittingthe time from the first timer and the time from the second timer to adatabase.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising converting, atthe end point, the time from the first timer and the time from thesecond timer into a LoRa data packet.
 4. The method of claim 3, furthercomprising transmitting the LoRa data packet to a database.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, further comprising scanning a user identificationupon arrival at the faucet.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprisinglinking the time from the first timer and the time from the second timerto the user identification that was scanned when the user arrived at thefaucet.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is positionedadjacent to the faucet, and further comprising alerting the user on thedisplay whether the handwashing routine is in compliance with thepredetermined standard or whether the handwashing routine is not incompliance with the predetermined standard.
 8. The method of claim 1,further comprising: determining a total flow volume of water through thefaucet for the handwashing routine; and displaying, at a user device,the total flow volume of water through the faucet for the handwashingroutine.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: aggregating thetotal flow volume of water for all handwashing routines over a period oftime; and displaying, at a user device, an aggregated total flow volumeof water for the period of time.
 10. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining an output temperature of the water for thehandwashing routine; and displaying, at a user device, the outputtemperature of the water for the handwashing routine.
 11. A system formonitoring a handwashing routine, the system comprising: a sensorconfigured to detect an angular position of a handle on a faucet; acontroller in communication with the sensor, the controller configuredto activate a first timer when water is flowing through the faucet whenthe angular positon of the handle indicates that water is flowingthrough the faucet; detect whether activation of a soap dispenseroccurred a predetermined time after the first timer was activated; log afirst time from the first timer when the soap dispenser is activated;activate a second timer after activation of the soap dispenser isdetected; alert a user to turn off the faucet a predetermined time afterthe second timer was activated; log a second time from the second timerwhen the angular position of the handle indicates that no water isflowing through the faucet; determine whether a handwashing routine isin compliance with a predetermined standard based on the time from thefirst timer and the time from the second timer; and enabling display ofa first indicator representative of a compliant handwashing routine or asecond indicator representative of a non-compliant handwashing routine.12. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configuredto transmit the time from the first timer and the time from the secondtimer to an end point device prior to transmitting the time from thefirst timer and the time from the second timer to a database.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the end point device is configured toconvert the time from the first timer and the time from the second timerinto a LoRa data packet.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the endpoint device is further configured to transmit the LoRa data packet to adatabase.
 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a useridentification detector in communication with the controller, the useridentification detector configured to a identify a user upon arrival atthe faucet.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the controller isfurther configured to link the time from the first timer and the timefrom the second timer to the user identification that was detected whenthe user arrived at the faucet.
 17. The system of claim 11, furthercomprising a display positioned adjacent to the faucet, configured toreceive the first indicator or the second indicator.